Source: Georgina Hutchinson
Spain as a destination offers such a range of unique experiences for the traveler. From beautiful beaches to dramatic mountains, sierras and natural forests. Cities pulsing with life and vibrant culture to charming, peaceful villages perched on hill tops with sweeping vistas. Spain is a country that awakens the senses and revives the spirit.
1. Hotel Marques de Riscal
This stunning retreat was designed by world renown architect Frank Gehry (designer of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao) and is in itself a masterpiece of art. Located in the pretty town of Elciego in the Basque region of Spain in the north, the hotel is highly sought after for those seeking stylish luxury in a beautiful location. There is something about the combination of Frank Gehry’s modern design and the panoramic view over medieval rooftops of surrounding Elciego, that is utterly unique. During a stay here you can also explore the tradition and history of wine-making with tours of nearby La Rioja and beyond.
Information
- Name: Hotel Marques de Riscal
- Address: Calle Torrea, 1, Elciego 01340 Spain
- Phone: +34 945 180880
- Website:www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com
2. Eco Lodge Refugio Marnes
If you are looking for peace and quiet, space and nature this is the right choice for you. Rural tourism at it’s best, the Eco lodge is located in the Sierra de Bernia in Alicante. Refugio Marnes is an old rural finca (estate) with acres of agricultural land around it. Here you can find almond, olive and carob trees providing shade and tranquility. Within the finca are various options for your stay. You can choose a room at the Bed and Breakfast house or stay in the holiday cottage. For a true camping (or glamping) experience, see the luxurious Bedouin style tent La Jaima. The tent has been decorated for comfort and style, a truly original experience. There is also a beautiful emerald tiled swimming pool on the land.
Information
- Name: Refugio Marnes
- Address: Pda Marnes 2015, 3729 Benissa
- Phone: +34 966 181040
- Email: enquiries@refugionmarnes.com
- Website: www.refugionmarnes.com
3. Hurricane Hotel
With splendid views across the Gibraltar straits to North Africa, the proximity to Morocco is reflected in the Moorish design of the hotel. With high arches, courtyards and palm trees, this small and exotic boutique hotel is surrounded by lush sub tropical gardens. The fabulously pristine beaches of the Costa De La Luz are at your doorstep as the Hurricane Hotel is located in Tarifa, arguably Europe’s best wind and kite surfing spot. The hotel is also accommodating for non-surfers, with a gym, two swimming pools, horses and mountain bikes. It’s a perfect jumping off point for adventure and exploring, or if total relaxation is more your speed, soak up the sun on miles of golden sand. For nightlife check out the colorful and eclectic town Tarifa or one of the many restaurants and bars along the beach.
Information
- Name: Hurricane Hotel
- Address: Ctra Nac 340, km 78 11380 Tarifa, Cadiz
- Phone: +34 956 684919
- Email: info@hotelhurricane.com
- Website: www.hotelhurricane.com
4. Hotel Arts Barcelona
Luxurious and grand, the Hotel Arts has a reputation for excellent service and incredible architecture in a city known for it’s standout art and cultural scene. There are 483 sea or city view rooms and a large array of executive and unique suites all housed in this landmark of the Barceloneta boardwalk. The hotel was built as part of the cultural renaissance of Barcelona coinciding with the Olympics of 1992. The glass and steel building rises 44 stories high above the Mediterranean. Inside, the hotel is an oasis of elegant style, with restaurants, bars, meeting rooms and shops. The outdoor pool is perhaps the piece de resistance, with awe inspiring sea views and large hammocks from which to take it all in.
Information
- Name: Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Address: Marina 19-21, Barcelona 08005
- Phone: +34 93 2211000
- Email: rc.bcnrz.call.center@ritzcarlton.com
- Website: www.hotelartsbarcelona.com
5. Hotel Plaza de Toros
Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, a stay in this hotel will provide an authentic experience as it’s located in the old bull ring (built in 1752). Whether or not you approve of bull-fighting, this will be a distinctive stay to say the least due to the tradition and history of the building. The 4 * hotel has 25 rooms and a restaurant from where you can look out over the hexagonal arena from the terrace. All rooms are uniquely decorated with deluxe bathrooms and modern amenities.
Information
- Name: Hotel Plaza de Toros
- Address: Plaza Waldo Ferrer, 38, 13400 Almaden, Ciudad Real
- Phone: +34 926 264 333
- Email: info@hotelplazadetoros.com
- Website:www.hotelplazadetoros.com
6. Parador de Santiago De Compostela
Located in the destination where millions of pilgrims flock to every year, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela blends history, art and tradition with welcoming accommodation. Built in 1499 as pilgrims hospital, the building features an ornate, carved facade, stone walls and vaulted ceilings. Furnishings are original and antique, creating an atmosphere of old world charm. Modern amenities are included, with Wi-Fi and Satellite TV and free breakfast. Some rooms have whirl pool baths. This is a true blend of antique luxury at it’s best with views of the Cathedral from the terrace.
- Information:
- Name: Parador de Santiago de Compostela
- Address: Praza do Obradoiro,1, 15705 Santiago De Compostela, Coruna
- Phone: +34 981 582200
- Website: http://www.parador.es/es/paradores/parador-de-santiago-de-compostela
7. Hotel Alfonso XIII
Source: Aliquer de cochesThis elegant hotel was built by King Alfonso (hence the name) in 1929 for the Expo and in order to house the Royal family, visiting heads of state and other important visitors to Seville. A five star hotel, it’s clearly geared to visitors with a bit more cash in their pockets and is often used by Sevillano high society as a meeting place. Even if you just wander into the lobby for a glimpse, it’s worth it but obviously if you have the budget to stay, even more so. The place is beautiful and feels like you are walking into a piece of history with it’s decorative art and grand rooms. The suites are spacious and deluxe, and the restaurants renown.The Hotel Alfonso is quite literally, fit for a king. If you splash out, you won’t be disappointed.
Information
- Name: Hotel Alfonso XIII
- Address: San Fernando 2, Seville 41004
- Phone: +34 954917 000
- Website: www.hotel-alfonsoxiii-seville.com
8. La Casa del Califa
La Casa del Califa is in Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz, the kind of white hill-top town of postcard perfection and one that has been deemed one of the prettiest towns in Spain. The hotel is a wonderful blend of old and new, having converted the old structure of the building (8 houses dating from the 10th – 17th centuries) to accommodate a warren of rooms decorated in tasteful Moorish style. The buildings that make up the hotel are interwoven by staircases courtyards creating a maze-like magical atmosphere steeped in local history. It is centrally located in the heart of Vejer’s old town in the palm-lined Plaza de Espana with views from some of the rooms to the square. There is a patio garden where the restaurant is (serving Spanish and Moroccan dishes) and a roof top cafe with splendid views across the cluttered roof tops and flower- lined terraces of the town. An original and intimate accommodation well located for the beautiful beaches near Cadiz.
Information
- Name: Hotel Casa del Califa
- Address: Plaza de Espana, 16, Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz 11150
- Phone: + 34 956 447730
- Website: www.califavejer.com
9. Hotel Santa Isabel La Real
Granada is a magnet for travellers and tourists, really one of the great destinations of Spain and this charming boutique hotel is located in the tangle of narrow, labryinthine alleyways that make the city so special and well-known. Right in the heart of the Albaicin medieval quarter and directly opposite the Alhambra (palace) the Hotel Santa Isabel la Real is small and intimate and family-run. The hotel is centered around an inner, columned courtyard with a trickling fountain and balconies overlooking it all. Rooms are clean and tastefully decorated with the best of all being the deluxe suite at the top of the building with an awesome view of the Alhambra, floodlight at night.
Information
- Name: Hotel Santa Isabel la Real
- Address: Albaycin, Granada
- Phone: +34 958 294 658
- Email: info@hotelsantaisabellareal.com
- Website: www.hotelsantaisabellareal.com
10. Hotel Puerta America
If you are visiting Madrid and want an original experience choose the Hotel Puerta America for the novelty and fun of it’s design and decor. Cutting edge design is everywhere and a different leading architect was responsible for the design of each floor of the hotel (Sir Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid). It’s worth it just to have your breath taken away as you stroll the corridors. Some rooms have a space-agem futuristic feel. Good for the airport, it’s also near to the Salamanca neighborhood for business and shopping opportunities.
Information
- Name: Hotel Puerta America
- Address: Avenida de America, 41, 28002 Madrid
- Phone: +34 917 44 5400
- Website: http://www.hoteles-silken.com/hoteles/puerta-america-madrid/
11. Cas Gasi
A charmingly restored country home in the small and beautiful Santa Gerturdis in Ibiza. This is boutique, rustic luxury at it’s best. Staying here feels more like being a guest at a friends delightful country house (a friend with very good taste and style of course). The owners have a keen eye for art and design which is apparent in the furnishings and renovation of the house. There is an emphasis on a home-away from home vibe, and care for the environment (the swimming pool is chemical free). There is also a restaurant with delicious organic dishes and a spa offering treatments and nutritonal advice. An inspiring, magical place to spend quality time on the beautiful island of Ibiza.
Information
- Name: Cas Gil
- Address: Camino Viejo de San Mateu s/n po Box 117 07814 Sta Gertrudis
- Phone:+34 971 19 77 00
- Email: info@casgasi.com
- Website: www.casgasi.com
12. Hotel Los Patios
Source: Ewan Munro A visit to Cordoba almost certainly means a visit to the Mosque (Mezquita) and luckily this hotel is located right in front of the main entrance, in an old mansion in the Jewish quarter of the city. A good, authentic atmosphere and great value for money makes this hotel a brilliant choice. There is a large, airy and flower-filled patio where you can taste typical dishes from the region at the restaurant.
Information
- Name: Hotel Los Patios
- Address: Cardenal Herrero, 14, Cordoba
- Phone: +34 957 478 340
- Email: info@lospatios.net
- Website: www.lospatios.net
13. Casa Luna Verde
A charming guest house in Marbella, close to golden beaches, luscious gold courses and a variety nightlife. A bed and breakfast with four beautifully and thoughtfully decorated (and named) suites (they are named Suite Faith, Love, Relax and Hope). You can stay here as individual guests or if in a large group of friends or family you could even rent the entire house for your stay. Yoga and massage are available on request as well as other group activities.
Information
- Name: Casa Luna Verde
- Address: Paseo de Suiza, 400, Elviria 29604 Marbella
- Phone: +34 951 703 914
- Email: info@casalunaverde.com
- Website: www.casalunaverde.com
14. Cabanas Als Arbres
If you like nature then this is the place for you. Spend the night in your very own tree house amid the forest canopy and staring at the stars. Located just 84 km from Barcelona in the Sierra de Montseny, this is a unique experience. Each of the ten tree houses are named after a bird and made from untreated natural wood. Facilities include breakfast and in the nearby country house La Vileta you can shower, use the swimming pool and relax by the fire. An extremely romantic option for couples!
Information
- Name: Cabanas Als Arbres
- Address: Ctra de Vallclara 17403, Santa Hillari
- Phone: +34 625 411 409
- Email: info@cabanasalsarbres.com
- Website: http://www.cabanesalsarbres.com/en/contact
15. Hotel Balandret
In the vibrant city of Valencia and overlooking the beach, the Hotel Balandret is stylish and chic with some sea view rooms, others with terraces and views of the promenade. The hotel is also a restaurant, one that captures the essence of Valencian artist El Balandrito (the namesake of the hotel and restaurant). The design is very minimal and vanguard emphasizing greys, whites and neutral tones with lots of light and a sense of space. A stay here feels luxurious and modern.
Information
- Name: Hotel Balandret
- Address: Paseo Neptuno, 20, 46011 Valencia
- Phone: +34 963 81 1141
- Email: info@balandret.com
- Website: www.balandret.com
Have a good trip and travel!
